Emerging from the Mine

Appreciating the surge of joy at Camp Hope.

As I watched the video of the Chilean miners, emerging one by one from their tiny rescue pod, I couldn’t help but imagine that I was witnessing a birth.

Chilean Health Minister Jaime Manalich announced that each time a miner comes out, a siren will sound, as if to herald the arrival of a moment as joyous as a baby’s entrance into the world.

The folks in Chile are strangers whose language we don’t speak and whom we will never meet. Why does this story have the whole world riveted? Why do we care so intensely about them?

I believe it is because deep down, we all appreciate the tremendous value of life. Each individual is precious and beloved, an incredible reflection of God.

And that is why the Chilean government used every resource to save the miners. Experts came from around the world – survivalists, dieticians, psychologists, specialists from NASA, and drilling experts from a dozen countries. Nobody questions the decision to spend untold millions to rescue the 33 men.

Which leads to an inescapable conclusion: If we share the joy over the rescue of these 33 miners in Chile, then let's strive to feel that same joy over the 6 billion others with whom we share the planet.

In the 48 Ways to Wisdom, Rabbi Noah Weinberg zt”l suggests a tool for gauging our love of others. How do you instinctively react when a stranger walks into a room? Do you feel a surge of warmth, or is your first response to hold back? Are you anxious to discover what he's all about, or do you feel distant?

The antidote to pulling back from that connection is to realize that no matter how obnoxious another person may be, he still has tremendous virtues: an intellectual creature, with free will, created in the image of God.

Rabbi Weinberg suggests that we start treating everyone with more care and respect. And anytime you encounter a difficult person, try thinking, “If this was my long-lost sibling or child, how would I respond?”

The Joy of Life

The miners’ rescue is instructive in a very personal way as well, by raising the question: Do we feel enormous joy over the very fact we are alive?

Rabbi Nachum of Horadna, in describing the level of joy any person should feel, presented this scenario:

If God came to a dead man and said, "Rise from the grave and rejoice," imagine the colossal joy he would feel. Every moment with his family, every bird chirping, every breath is another gift!

We should strive for that same feeling all the time, said Rabbi Nachum of Horadna. Every morning when we get out of bed, we should thank the Almighty and feel the spectacular joy of being alive!

In a desolate patch of Chilean desert dubbed Camp Hope, all of humanity was sent a clear message: Human life is infinitely precious. Every life, every moment.

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About the Author

Rabbi Shraga Simmons spent his childhood trekking through snow in Buffalo, New York. He holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He is the co-founder of Aish.com, and founder of JewishPathways.com. He is also the founding editor of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath" (2012), the definitive treatment of media bias against Israel. He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

Visitor Comments: 36

(36)
Simon,
October 19, 2010 12:30 PM

Exodus 2:7 God heard their cry and saw their suffering.

In the book of Exodus 3:7... God talks about the cry of the children of Israel, whereas Moses used every whim of an excuse not to go back to rescue the suffering but God was determined to lift the children of from desolation. In the same way the book of Mathew 28:16-20 tells of God's love and desire to rescue us from the grip of death.
This descending of God to save humans is a love unequaled. In the bible Romans 8:31 is an encouragement to us on what God can do, His power “if God is for us who can be against us”. Today we peruse two accidents, one in China a disaster and one in Chile a spectacle to the world. What is God teaching us?
God bless you Rabbi

(35)
Andy,
October 18, 2010 2:49 AM

Let's not forget others who are "trapped", waiting to be returned home

Debbie (#33), I share your sentiments about Gilad Shalit. Let's work and pray just as tirelessly for the release of Israel's other captive soldiers: Ron Arad, Zacharia Baumel, Zvi Feldman, Yehuda Katz, Guy Hever, and Yonatan Pollard. Just because Israel's government has forsaken them, doesn't mean we have to. If the same attention the world paid to the Chilean miners was directed to the plight of those missing for nearly 30 years, the families of these men would also have reason to celebrate.

(34)
TMay,
October 17, 2010 6:35 PM

BTW

Just to point out that the president of Chile thanked the countries that helped in the rescue and one of the countries thanked was Israel. NASA helped and so did a small start up business in the Pennsylvania, US, with 76 employees, who made the drill bit, Center Rock Inc..

(33)
Debbie,
October 17, 2010 6:19 PM

I too thought about Gilad Shalit.

Like comment #11, I also thought about our efforts to rescue Gilad and save his life. The saga in Chile was amazing and miraculous and I cried several times throughout the 2-day rescue. But I asked myself: Why hasn't HaSh-m given us another miracle, to bring Gilad safely home?

(32)
samuel,
October 17, 2010 6:01 PM

compliments to rabbi shraga simmons for the artcle,

in 1947ifind a job in the canadian drillers in the montains in side algero-moroco one day of chavohot ielp jak simenson and inginier kaldwell to go down inthe gallerys at 500 hendred metters to constat the
fillon of leather and i see the miners at work , but
i never forget this day wen i see the sky . this experience was at the mine of penaroya-zelidja in the frontier algero -marocain (midel-atlas)

(31)
Rosaura Mendez,
October 17, 2010 2:49 PM

The whole world needs to know how great the love of our Father is.

This should be a moment of joy for everyone in the world no matter friends or foes. Let's stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

(30)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2010 6:01 PM

As I followed the whole effort from beginning to end, I couldn't help making the analogy with abortion. Some say we don't know when "life" begins. The rescuers didn't know for 17 days whether their was "life" underground but that did not deter them from their goal. The potential was there and that was all that mattered. As each miner came up through the tunnel and reached the surface it was indeed a joyous moment of birth in spite of all the hardships along the path to reach that moment. As Shraga stated "Each individual is precious and beloved, an incredible reflection of God."

(29)
ATache,
October 14, 2010 2:19 PM

Jews in Chile

I had a conversation with a rabbi that grew up in Chile and has visited Chile several times since moving to the U.S.. She has nothing but praise for the country. There are 20,000 Chilean Jews and they love their country. The government of Chile is NOT socialist but very pro-capilalism and vpro-democracy. Dorothy may be confusing Chile with Argentina. By the way, the mine where the men were trapped is owned by a Chilean Jew from Santiago.

(28)
Dorothy,
October 14, 2010 10:59 AM

no friends of the Jews

The Rabbi in Chile and the Jews have to be protected by the police because of the anti semitism that is in Chile. You should check your facts before you send out messages. I am glad that the miners were rescued, but the socialists in Chile are not friends to the Jews.

(27)
Dori Oshlag,
October 14, 2010 10:56 AM

Absolutely

Shraga, thanks for putting the scenerio in the right perspective.
Great piece!

(26)
Desmond,
October 14, 2010 8:04 AM

Some went on their knees

They recognized that they had been kept alive by their Creator, helped out by men and women who value life. I was so impressed by those who publicly thanked God, like one said, from the devil who tried to take his life. And what about the one who brought up gifts of stones from their grave: how thoughtful! The guy has a sense of humour as well as being a leader. Altogether a wonderful result.

(25)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2010 4:49 AM

As a Jewish chilean I feel very proud. This is without any doubt a miracle. Not only Chile was an example of kindness after the earthquake, the effort made to rescue this 33 men shows that life is invaluable and that every effort has to be made for saving a human life.
Here in Chile, now more than ever, we can feel the presence of G-d. One of the most shocking words that I heard was "we where 34 down there, because G-d was there whith us all the time"...

(24)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2010 4:46 AM

The joy of watching them to come out

Dear Rabbi Simmons,
What happened to the miners is a miracle. When the first one came out of the tiny dock I couldn't think about any other thing but "Ein od milvado". One of them say: "we were not 33 miners, but 34. G-d never left us alone down there". Right after that I broke in tears of joy!
But I couldn't forget Gabriela Mistral (local poetess and Nobel Prize too) who once said: "G-d made Chile as long strip of land, so that when the north falls down, the center tells the south to come to help stand up."
How come "The folks in Chile are strangers whose language we don’t speak and whom we will never meet."? Come on! Aish HaTorah has a huge branch in Santiago. Many of the Rabbis in Aish Latino DO speak Spanish and Chileans are populating its building in Western Wall Plaza!!! Cuz we are cool like that.

(23)
Anonymous,
October 14, 2010 3:01 AM

Chile's president thanks Netanyahu

The president of Chile made a speech after the last miner was rescued. In that speech he remarked about calls from world leaders. He mentioned Israel and Prime MinisterNetanyahu by name. I noticed that he did not mention any calls from Arab countries. Perhaps they did not care to join in this endeavor. I wonder why not?

(22)
Dana,
October 14, 2010 2:38 AM

The gift of life!

Im chilean and im so proud of my country, i think this is a message from Hash-m that we should be always thankful.
Go chilee :)

(21)
Judy Shivak,
October 13, 2010 11:26 PM

Wouldn't it be nice!

Tonight in a deli on Long Island, every eye was glued to the television set as each miner came out. We all commented that it was so fascinating that the whole world was watching the fate of just 33 men. How all the countries banded together to rescue these "strangers" and all thought how wonderful it would be if the world could get together for peaceful problems and work together despite difference in Language, religion or ideas.

(20)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2010 10:33 PM

A kiddush Hashem

When the first miner came out, I thought what a wonderful kiddush Hashem.
Now, where was anyone from the United Nations organization? Perhaps they were absent from this historic undertaking because they could not profit from it or because they couldn't blame Israel for it. Shame on Ban-Ky-Moon and all his cronies.

(19)
Bonnie Farkas,
October 13, 2010 9:59 PM

agree

I agree wholeheartedly. and by the way, some of us do speak and understand Spanish.

(18)
Ian,
October 13, 2010 9:48 PM

L'Chaim - To Life !

I completely agree with what this article says - Judaism's philosophy about the value of life is so incredibly valid & inspiring .
I am also involved in Trade Unionism especially in relation to Supporting the People of Mining Communities & I believe that this compliments perfectly My belief as a Jewish person .
I believe that the outpouring of worldwide joy that this rescue has generated is total proof that all Human beings contain sparks of the Divine Presense that encourage Them to feel Empathy & Love for Their fellow man !

(17)
ruth housman,
October 13, 2010 9:41 PM

"Minor" and "Major Events" around the world

What happened to these miners galvanized the world. I think it not possible to think about people trapped far below and just a hearbeat away from potential disaster, to pray for their quick and safe release.
Like everyone, I am so happy, and will be even happier when the last man emerges from the deep.
Yes, it should make us all appreciate every moment of being alive, and it should make us appreciate deeply that we are part of the family of man, and that this story is about humanity, in every sense of the word.
It's wonderful to have a story that seems to be coming out all right. There is too much sadness in this world, and we must do what we can. They are deeply, "Us".

(16)
ALFRED BIEN,
October 13, 2010 9:24 PM

CHILE IS ABEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WITH BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE

ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO I HAD THE GOOD FOTUNE TO CONDUCT BUSINESS WITH A CHILEAN GOVERNMENT OWNED COMPANY. IT WAS ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MY CAREERJUST PRIOR TO RETIREMENT. MY CHILEAN ASSOCIATES WERE WARM AND VERY ETHICAL PEOPLE. IT WAS GRATIFYING TO ME.. AT THIS TIME BASED ON MY EXPERIENCE I CAN FEEL THE JOY THAT THE ENTIRE THAT THE ENTIRE COUNTRY OF CHILE FEELS AND IT IS A GOOD ONE.
I FEEL. AND IT IS GOOD,.

(15)
Tanya,
October 13, 2010 8:32 PM

Special day, fabulous article.

I have been watching this miracle closely all day. My joy at seeing the delight of the miners and their families is and was immense. I falso felt so thrilled that so many people all over the world were partaking in the miracle unfolding before us all. This is the anti-terrorism moment; an unforgettable moment when those of us who are living in 2010 can appreciate the beauty of Life and all the little miracles we enjoy daily -- seeing the sun, walking around, eating, hugging each other and loving one another.
Today, I am proud to be a member of the human race.

(14)
aryeh markman,
October 13, 2010 7:38 PM

Shraga really captured the feeling

I was wondering why I was so captivated by the process. Rabbi Simmons describes our inner emotions and what we are going through. It made my day much better. Thank you Shraga!!

(13)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2010 7:37 PM

I couldn't help contrasting

I couldn't help contrasting the desire of so many around the world, praying for the rescue of these trapped Chilean miners, with the families of the suicide bombers who glorify murder and death.

(12)
jc,
October 13, 2010 7:30 PM

who helped

if man had not helped and freed these men, Would God have left them there?

(11)
Jacob Hirsch,
October 13, 2010 7:27 PM

Sunshine, Chilean miners, & Gilad Shalit

As I watch the miners come out from the depths of the darkness, seeing their expressions after seeing the sunlight for the first time in 69 days all I could think of was Gilad Shalit who has not seen the light of day for over one thousand days and counting.........

(10)
Maria,
October 13, 2010 7:05 PM

Miners Rescue

Baruch Hashem! Oh, how great is the Lord our G-d!
I'm so happy, my heart is filled with such immense joy as I watch those men being pulled out from the center of the Earth! They are totally unknown to me, yet I feel a brotherly connection to them. May they all be rescued and returned to their families and community safely.
May we all rejoice in the fraternal ties of all Humanity, and live accordingly.
Thank you, Hashem! Thanks for hearing our cries and answering our prayers!
20 out, 13 to go... Yeah!

(9)
andria,
October 13, 2010 6:16 PM

To life!

May we learn to be thankful for everyone and every moment we have with them.

(8)
Neil Harris,
October 13, 2010 5:55 PM

Nice article

Very nice article and the lesson is extremely important.
we should pray on Yom Kippur with the same joy as the miners.

(7)
Z'eev,
October 13, 2010 5:30 PM

Appreciate Every Day!

One family member said that upon being freed, her loved one would be a better father, husband, and appreiciate life even more. It's a good reminder for all of us to appreciate every day we are alive and treat it as if we were just "re-born" like these miner are, getting a second chance.

(6)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2010 5:20 PM

Very inspiring!

You have expressed the very nature of the rescue. Thank you for your insight.

(5)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2010 5:20 PM

Did any of the 22 Arab countries contribute in any way towards saving the miners in Chile?

x

(4)
Anonymous,
October 13, 2010 4:50 PM

who is rabbi nachum of horadna?

who is rabbi nachum of horadna?

(3)
Linda,
October 13, 2010 4:49 PM

The Problem is

Those that don't read, don't care. If you don't care, how can you learn to care for others.

I live in rural Montana where the Cholov Yisrael milk is difficult to obtain and very expensive. So I drink regular milk. What is your view on this?

The Aish Rabbi Replies:

Jewish law requires that there be rabbinic supervision during the milking process to ensure that the milk comes from a kosher animal. In the United States, many people rely on the Department of Agriculture's regulations and controls as sufficiently stringent to fulfill the rabbinic requirement for supervision.

Most of the major Kashrut organizations in the United States rely on this as well. You will therefore find many kosher products in America certified with a 'D' next to the kosher symbol. Such products – unless otherwise specified on the label – are not Cholov Yisrael and are assumed kosher based on the DOA's guarantee.

There are many, however, do not rely on this, and will eat only dairy products that are designated as Cholov Yisrael (literally, "Jewish milk"). This is particularly true in large Jewish communities, where Cholov Yisrael is widely available.

Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote that under limited conditions, such as an institution which consumes a lot of milk and Cholov Yisrael is generally unavailable or especially expensive, American milk is acceptable, as the government supervision is adequate to prevent non-kosher ingredients from being added.

It should be added that the above only applies to milk itself, which is marketed as pure cow's milk. All other dairy products, such as cheeses and butter, may contain non-kosher ingredients and always require kosher certification. In addition, Rabbi Feinstein's ruling applies only in the United States, where government regulations are considered reliable. In other parts of the world, including Europe, Cholov Yisrael is a requirement.

There are additional esoteric reasons for being stringent regarding Cholov Yisrael, and because of this it is generally advisable to consume only Cholov Yisroel dairy foods.

In 1889, 800 Jews arrived in Buenos Aires, marking the birth of the modern Jewish community in Argentina. These immigrants were fleeing poverty and pogroms in Russia, and moved to Argentina because of its open door policy of immigration. By 1920, more than 150,000 Jews were living in Argentina. Juan Peron's rise to power in 1946 was an ominous sign, as he was a Nazi sympathizer with fascist leanings. Peron halted Jewish immigration to Argentina, introduced mandatory Catholic religious instruction in public schools, and allowed Argentina to become a haven for fleeing Nazis. (In 1960, Israeli agents abducted Adolf Eichmann from a Buenos Aires suburb.) Today, Argentina has the largest Jewish community in Latin America with 250,000, though terror attacks have prompted many young people to emigrate. In 1992, the Israeli Embassy in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 32 people. In 1994, the Jewish community headquarters in Buenos Aires was bombed, killing 85 people. The perpetrators have never been apprehended.

Be aware of what situations and behaviors give you pleasure. When you feel excessively sad and cannot change your attitude, make a conscious effort to take some action that might alleviate your sadness.

If you anticipate feeling sad, prepare a list of things that might make you feel better. It could be talking to a specific enthusiastic individual, running, taking a walk in a quiet area, looking at pictures of family, listening to music, or reading inspiring words.

While our attitude is a major factor in sadness, lack of positive external situations and events play an important role in how we feel.

[If a criminal has been executed by hanging] his body may not remain suspended overnight ... because it is an insult to God (Deuteronomy 21:23).

Rashi explains that since man was created in the image of God, anything that disparages man is disparaging God as well.

Chilul Hashem, bringing disgrace to the Divine Name, is one of the greatest sins in the Torah. The opposite of chilul Hashem is kiddush Hashem, sanctifying the Divine Name. While this topic has several dimensions to it, there is a living kiddush Hashem which occurs when a Jew behaves in a manner that merits the respect and admiration of other people, who thereby respect the Torah of Israel.

What is chilul Hashem? One Talmudic author stated, "It is when I buy meat from the butcher and delay paying him" (Yoma 86a). To cause someone to say that a Torah scholar is anything less than scrupulous in meeting his obligations is to cause people to lose respect for the Torah.

Suppose someone offers us a business deal of questionable legality. Is the personal gain worth the possible dishonor that we bring not only upon ourselves, but on our nation? If our personal reputation is ours to handle in whatever way we please, shouldn't we handle the reputation of our nation and the God we represent with maximum care?

Jews have given so much, even their lives, for kiddush Hashem. Can we not forego a few dollars to avoid chilul Hashem?

Today I shall...

be scrupulous in all my transactions and relationships to avoid the possibility of bringing dishonor to my God and people.

With stories and insights,
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